
Get to know the Pre-Vet Club
We interviewed Marissa Jansen, the Club’s president, to learn more about the Pre-Vet Club's involvement!

By Elena Mathern, BS ‘25, Environmental Sciences, Policy, & Management
A focus on Pre-Veterinary Medicine entails a series of courses that prepare students for admission to veterinary school. Meanwhile, the Pre-Vet Club (PVC) aims to “instill the utmost knowledge in future veterinarians through speakers, tours, volunteer opportunities, and pet visits!” Together, these studies and involvement in a community of peers working towards similar goals provide leverage for students during their college years.
Are there any requirements for joining the Pre-Vet Club?
There are no prerequisites for joining the club. Typically, students in pre-vet studies who plan to attend veterinary school become members. The Club offers relevant experiences and information for anyone interested in a career with animals.
What got you involved in the Pre-Vet club?

I have been a member of the Pre-Vet Club since I was a freshman. I joined after hearing a representative come into my Intro to Animal Science class and discuss all the cool things the Club offers. I then became further involved in the Club through different meetings and events, and I became the Treasurer last year. After serving on the board, I found that I loved engaging with everyone in the Club and others on the board, so I became the Club’s President this year.
Does the Club get involved with other organizations at the University of Minnesota or outside school?
Yes, the Pre-Vet Club often gets involved with the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. The Pre-Vet Club usually meets with the vet school regarding admissions and what to do to prepare for vet school. We also take an annual tour of the Vet school, the Raptor Center, and the Leatherdale Equine Center. Outside of that, we often get involved with The Student Initiative for Reservation Veterinary Services (SIRVS) and VeTouch, which are student organizations at the vet school that offer vet care to underserved communities, whether through reservations or reduced-price clinics nearby. Lastly, we have recently collaborated with the Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology (FWCB) Club on campus and have decided to have a joint meeting and events with them.
What skills or experiences do members gain by participating in the Club?
In addition to academic preparation, the Club often shares different courses and career opportunities. It also allows members to engage with other students on the same path, as well as faculty members at the undergraduate and vet school levels.
What events or traditions does the Club participate in?

The Club often participates in different tabling events, such as the Fall and Spring Student Activities Fairs. We also participated in the CFANS Haunted Hallway for the first time this past fall and walked in the Homecoming parade for the first time. Other than that, we typically meet every month with a guest speaker, and take tours a couple of times a semester.
What are your favorite parts about being a member of the Pre-Vet Club?
I love being a PVC member because I can connect with individuals who share my career goals and passion for animals. I have also loved learning from different speakers and connecting with professionals in the veterinary field. Lastly, I love spreading the word about the Club to others in animal-related fields and serving on the board with many incredible people.
Could you share a memorable story or experience from your time in the Pre-Vet Club that highlights its impact?

I enjoyed having speakers from VeTouch and SIRVS come to speak to the Pre-Vet Club at the beginning of the year. It was fantastic to have so many new members learn about the impact that VeTouch and SIRVS have and how pre-vets can be involved. At this meeting, we also connected with all the members afterward; it was fun to see new connections and friendships reconnecting. Another memorable experience was when Dr. Kelly Tart came in from the vet school and taught us about dog CPR.
Is there anything else you want to highlight about the Club or future opportunities?
We are excited to have a joint meeting with the FWCB Club on Wednesday, January 29, at 6 p.m. in Ruttan Hall B45, where the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center will be coming in as a speaker!
Visit the Pre-Vet Club's Instagram and Linktree for resources to get involved and learn more.